Dear….
Is Wikileak the light that shines forth in the darkness of this world? In its unwelcome opening of the Pandora Box of sinful man's real thoughts about fellow men, will it bring about more honesty in the world, or even greater subterfuge and discord amongst men?
But what if the perpetrators of such openness are of less than honorable intent? Imagine the present grip that they are starting to have on the lives of many, and the foretaste of the potential destructive power of the unseen masses unleashed in reaction to measures taken against the perpetrators of Wikileak.
‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life…’
1 John 1
Interestingly, God has already given us the solution to ensure that none will need to be under the grip of such threats. Speak the truth with grace and love, that is what the Bible teaches us. Doing that does not mean that one will have no detractors, but it will definitely be disproportionately fewer and with no skeletons in one’s cupboard, none can rustle up any possibility of a hint of blackmail.
‘Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people.’
Luke 1:68
But way before Wikileak, there is already the light of the gospel of God’s love. A light that will take away the unbearable darkness encapsulating the lives of many, for darkness is the absence of light. And this gift of salvation and freedom from the bondage of death is why the world should celebrate Christmas, for that is the day that our Lord Jesus Christ is born. But in reality, many in our present world are either ignorant of this truth or don’t give much thought to its significance and as a result, continue to be in the bondage of the devil through life and thereafter.
‘And(‘the devil’) saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.’
Matthew 4:9
But is freedom not a desire innate in humanity? The recent tragedy of lives lost amongst the boat people from Afghanistan, whose boats came to grief in the treacherous waters of Christmas Island, brings memory flooding back. Of that period in the post Vietnam war in the 1970s, when many fled from communist ruled Vietnam and the rest of Indochina, and took to the shark and pirates infested waters of the South China Sea, crammed into their rickety boats, looking for perceived freedom in the Western democracies.
Life for many of these refugees are better but is it that significantly better? It is a moot point, for freedom from one carnal need, could mean an enslavement to the next pertinent need. Now that Christmas is over, many of us in the developed world would have likely overindulged in the festivities, and have received one too many presents that remain unopened, even if they are unwrapped. Surfeit of blessings does bring about a drop in our sense of satisfaction or in economic jargon, our marginal utility drops. And worse, with the New Year just a whisker away, deep in many hearts, is a dread and fear of another long slog, before we get another short reprieve when the world literally slows down again in December.
But God never planned for our life to be this burdensome and meaningless.
‘And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.’
Acts 24:16
As I resume the pounding of the computer keyboards, my heart is a lot more uplifted than most of this morning. The troubled heart came about because our good Lord had allowed me to be tested on a decision I have been praying that He will not lead me to have to make. The test came and like all good imperfect men, I struggled. The rational me wants to do what is good for myself as my finite minds sees it, much as the spirit man in me knows that it will dishonor God. To speak the truth and to live the truth is indeed daunting and on my own strength, not possible.
But God is good. Time with God is always good, for we will be cognizance of His Spirit’s correction, and the time spent with God in the past and the present, has ensured that I will still come unto the light of His presence, much as my sinful self prefers to do otherwise and stay in the shadows. In staying in God’s presence, submission to His will, will come, and Acts 24:16 convicted me of the obvious truth, much as I will like to be oblivious to the will of God.
‘Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.’
Matthew 4:10
Many in the sinful world today have yet to reach the level of relationship that I have with our beloved Father in Heaven. This is not meant to be a statement of smugness or pride, but rather, an loving admonishment and more importantly, a humble reminder to all who profess to be a Christian that believing has to be translated into a responsive following to the leading of the Spirit of God residing in our hearts, in order for transformation into Christ-likeness to occur. Many do not realize that God has not just promised us an eternal life of joy and peace in heaven, but also a life of blessed peace and joy in this finite world, come what may. But we must want to stay in His presence always and respond to His will. I am have grown in Christian maturity because I want to and I work responsively on staying in the sanctifying presence of our Lord, much as I still am imperfect.
For disbelievers, the gift from God remains unopened since the day Christ was born. And ditto for many of the professed believers, for the outer layer that is, the Xmas wrappings might be opened, in the sense that they have mouthed their acceptance of the salvation, but the gift of salvation is never fully taken out from its original box as evidence by their continued carnal life in disobedience to the leading of the Spirit of God.
Only God knows the genuine repentance of our hearts.
‘But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive everyone of you this day.’
Deuteronomy 4:4
And what about determined but imperfect followers of Christ like myself? I have fully enjoyed the blessings from our Lord by letting His Spirit residing in my heart transform me from the natural to the spiritual man. But often, my carnal self do surface, and I get distracted momentarily like now. The gift is from God, but when we finally meet God our giver, can we unequivocally state with God given assurance that we have received and responded to it well? Thankfully, God is perfect, much as I the willing is imperfect and God the giver will ensure that we receive His gift well by being with us always, if we allow Him.
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
(29th Dec 10)
Last words??
'But he answered and said, 'It is written , Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.'
Matthew 4:4
As I was rummaging through the internet, taking time with our Lord for guidance and affirmation as to His will for this last sharing for the year, He brought me to the site of the Online Bible College (http://onlinebiblecollege.com/site/meet-the-team/), which had a biopic on the key servants of God in this wonderful ministry of Word. The late founder, David Collins, whom I had a couple of correspondences with, before he left at the age of 44 to be with the Lord back in year 2006, has in that short span, written many spirit inspired lessons that have truly benefited many Christians like myself who seek to grow in the Word of God. David's parents, Paul and Bunty, whom I am privileged to communicate with regularly, have now taken on the responsibility and much as they are in their twilight years, God is using them wonderfully for His work.
God would use all of us who are willing in His ways, to do His will. Would the words that I have shared this year and in years past be like water that slipped off oil or have they truly ministered to you, and it will, if it is truly from our Lord to a receptive heart?
I count myself blessed to be used by our good Lord to write relentlessly these past 8 years. Prayerfully, it has not been inundating but rather, spiritually uplifting. And I am gratified that our Lord has broadened my ministry from the internet to the printed book and to all who have been generous in accepting my first book "Reflections - A traveler's muse" this past one year, it is with joy that I dare say that the second book "Happy Family - A mirror of God's love" is truly on track to be completed the way both Rosanne my dear friend and publisher and myself know that the Lord so wills. And I do ask that you continue to pray for us in this ministry of using art to share the gospel and that you will be as generous in accepting a copy of the book and to share your blessings with those who are in need, be it spiritual or material or in anyway the Spirit of God will show you.
In giving, we truly receive. And God has commanded all who love Him to share the gospel by sharing the love of God through our relationship with people He placed in our lives.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
In Spirit and Truth #27 In Retrospect (23rd Dec 2010)
Dear..
‘I have trusted in your mercy’
Psalm 13:5
“Looking back” is the word most will use. “Retrospect” is what the master of the written wit,the late PG Wodehouse would use to doll up the English prose. But the meaning is the same.
Psalm 13:5 is succinct in its intended meaning, but for one to speak it with heartfelt thanks, it must come from a series of experiences that lead to a profound gratitude for what has been.
And indeed, for me, not too sure if has been the same for you, it has been a very challenging year, as far as work is concerned, for one never felt so stymied and stripped apart. Yet through it all, God has never left me, and He has taught me tremendously, what it means to be humbled and contrite, yet His grace is ever present.
“Buy gold as refined by the Lord” was the word God impressed upon me these past two years, and indeed, I can now empathize better with the inanimate yellow metal that has to go through the fire many times in the purification process. We are indeed oppressed but never crushed, and indeed the Spirit of God residing in the faithful will give us that indomitable strength to stay steadfast, when prevailing conditions seem to demand otherwise. And this inner strength with total reliance on our good Lord will be used by Him to bring us forth in the days ahead, as the End Times intensifies.
‘Ye have said, It is vain to serve God. And what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?’
Malachi 3:14
“Do not return to Egypt” was the other word that God also deeply impressed upon me these past three years. And as shared, there were so many good and compelling reasons to move on in my career. And God knows being imperfect, one will vacillate, even if one is sure about having received His crystal clear commands not to do otherwise. But with such certainty as to where God wants me to be, no doubts were allowed to linger too long in my psyche and literally with no “escape route,” I had to stand firm, obey God and move on within my confines to deal with whatever circumstances were thrown at me, trusting in Him always. But through it all, God taught me about the need to honor Him in our lives, to be truthful much as self survival seems to dictate otherwise, to be of good cheer and of good heart with people He placed in our seemingly wretched lives, for people must see the light of God’s love in our lives, much as darkness seems to be the straightjacket squeezing us in.
When the colors of our natural sinfulness be it green(envy), red(anger), yellow(fear) or purple for peacocks??(pride) are drained from us, the splendor of God’s love will shine forth with clarity.
But Christian living is not about sacrifice, but obedience. Of course in obeying the leading of the Spirit of God residing in our hearts, we often are asked to let go of things we hold dear, but God will not leave us too long hanging on the thread of hope, but He will affirm and through this past one year and the previous years, He indeed provides more than suffice to ensure that we can live out fully His will wherever He places us.
And as I closed this retrospective reflection, let me conclude with this word “sell into strength with patience” that our Lord has ingrained in me this year. As shared previously, in our very low interest rate environment which punishes the prudent saver, compounded by the bubbly appreciation in asset prices, which rewards the aggressive investor, it is indeed difficult to want to acquiesce to this command of the Lord. Should we not be good stewards to grow the resource He gives us? Yes with the wisdom God gives us, we should be good stewards, but wisdom must be put aside, if God tells us otherwise and how do we know if we heard right? I have come to learn that if we truly place God as first in our lives, we will know His will. If there is an issue, it is that our carnal self is still warring against our spiritual self. But God is good. He will intervene and indeed He has for me this past one year, the most recent just two days back, when I find myself no longer able to resist the desire to make my monies work better. I expanded the command of God from just “selling into strength with patience” to include “buying into weakness with patience.’ Seems logical enough and I did make a couple of purchases. That same morning after, I was awaken with this deep distress in my heart. The Spirit convicted me of my sins, and the peace returned when I fairly quickly drop off the desire to buy, when God clearly stated to sell.
Your year might have been different in the nature of events surrounding your lives. But I am sure like me, you would have truly experienced the presence and love of God in your life this year, and like me, in your own inimitable way, you want to and will continue to testify to God’s goodness and love for us all.
‘Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? Saith the Lord of hosts. Because of Mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.’
Haggai 1:9
The past teaches us about the present and prepares us for the future. I believe this year has been one of intense refinement for the faithful. We are asked to buy gold, as in our character refined, from our Lord, much as the non believers are busy cumulating temporal material wealth from the devil. And a life as refined by God is needed to ensure that we will not just stand firm upon the Lord our Rock, but that God will use us to bring forth His love to many who will hunger for certainty and meaning in their lives where the only certainty without God, is even greater uncertainty. The year 2011 will be a watershed year, not because I have a prophetic word, but rather, as a keen observer of human follies, many are converging towards the peak of leveraged greed, pride and deceit, the necessary recipe for a tumultuous year. And the present extreme weather in Europe could be a harbinger of what is to come to befall the world next year, in not just the physical but in the economic, social and political landscape. The borrower is a slave to the lender. To disobey God is to obey the devil.
‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…’
Psalm 127:1
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
22nd Dec 2010
Power of Your love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbg8qS9iokY
'...Jesus stood and cried out saying 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'
John 7:37-38
Yesterday, as I was listening to a new CD, a collection of Christian songs in Mandarin sung by a Taiwanese all girls group, I was quite surprise to hear them sing the familiar Don Moen song "Power of Your love" in English. The song is not new to me, just like Scriptural knowledge is probably no stranger to many of you. Yet, God always surprises me with His prescience, and I have attached the above link to the song, in this case, sung someone else with with interesting pictorial representation of the plans of God for our life.
Take time to reflect upon the words. It aptly describe my life this year and I believe yours as well, how truly the love of God not just sustains us, but lift us up closer to the spirit men and women He wants to transform us to.
‘I have trusted in your mercy’
Psalm 13:5
“Looking back” is the word most will use. “Retrospect” is what the master of the written wit,the late PG Wodehouse would use to doll up the English prose. But the meaning is the same.
Psalm 13:5 is succinct in its intended meaning, but for one to speak it with heartfelt thanks, it must come from a series of experiences that lead to a profound gratitude for what has been.
And indeed, for me, not too sure if has been the same for you, it has been a very challenging year, as far as work is concerned, for one never felt so stymied and stripped apart. Yet through it all, God has never left me, and He has taught me tremendously, what it means to be humbled and contrite, yet His grace is ever present.
“Buy gold as refined by the Lord” was the word God impressed upon me these past two years, and indeed, I can now empathize better with the inanimate yellow metal that has to go through the fire many times in the purification process. We are indeed oppressed but never crushed, and indeed the Spirit of God residing in the faithful will give us that indomitable strength to stay steadfast, when prevailing conditions seem to demand otherwise. And this inner strength with total reliance on our good Lord will be used by Him to bring us forth in the days ahead, as the End Times intensifies.
‘Ye have said, It is vain to serve God. And what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?’
Malachi 3:14
“Do not return to Egypt” was the other word that God also deeply impressed upon me these past three years. And as shared, there were so many good and compelling reasons to move on in my career. And God knows being imperfect, one will vacillate, even if one is sure about having received His crystal clear commands not to do otherwise. But with such certainty as to where God wants me to be, no doubts were allowed to linger too long in my psyche and literally with no “escape route,” I had to stand firm, obey God and move on within my confines to deal with whatever circumstances were thrown at me, trusting in Him always. But through it all, God taught me about the need to honor Him in our lives, to be truthful much as self survival seems to dictate otherwise, to be of good cheer and of good heart with people He placed in our seemingly wretched lives, for people must see the light of God’s love in our lives, much as darkness seems to be the straightjacket squeezing us in.
When the colors of our natural sinfulness be it green(envy), red(anger), yellow(fear) or purple for peacocks??(pride) are drained from us, the splendor of God’s love will shine forth with clarity.
But Christian living is not about sacrifice, but obedience. Of course in obeying the leading of the Spirit of God residing in our hearts, we often are asked to let go of things we hold dear, but God will not leave us too long hanging on the thread of hope, but He will affirm and through this past one year and the previous years, He indeed provides more than suffice to ensure that we can live out fully His will wherever He places us.
And as I closed this retrospective reflection, let me conclude with this word “sell into strength with patience” that our Lord has ingrained in me this year. As shared previously, in our very low interest rate environment which punishes the prudent saver, compounded by the bubbly appreciation in asset prices, which rewards the aggressive investor, it is indeed difficult to want to acquiesce to this command of the Lord. Should we not be good stewards to grow the resource He gives us? Yes with the wisdom God gives us, we should be good stewards, but wisdom must be put aside, if God tells us otherwise and how do we know if we heard right? I have come to learn that if we truly place God as first in our lives, we will know His will. If there is an issue, it is that our carnal self is still warring against our spiritual self. But God is good. He will intervene and indeed He has for me this past one year, the most recent just two days back, when I find myself no longer able to resist the desire to make my monies work better. I expanded the command of God from just “selling into strength with patience” to include “buying into weakness with patience.’ Seems logical enough and I did make a couple of purchases. That same morning after, I was awaken with this deep distress in my heart. The Spirit convicted me of my sins, and the peace returned when I fairly quickly drop off the desire to buy, when God clearly stated to sell.
Your year might have been different in the nature of events surrounding your lives. But I am sure like me, you would have truly experienced the presence and love of God in your life this year, and like me, in your own inimitable way, you want to and will continue to testify to God’s goodness and love for us all.
‘Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? Saith the Lord of hosts. Because of Mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.’
Haggai 1:9
The past teaches us about the present and prepares us for the future. I believe this year has been one of intense refinement for the faithful. We are asked to buy gold, as in our character refined, from our Lord, much as the non believers are busy cumulating temporal material wealth from the devil. And a life as refined by God is needed to ensure that we will not just stand firm upon the Lord our Rock, but that God will use us to bring forth His love to many who will hunger for certainty and meaning in their lives where the only certainty without God, is even greater uncertainty. The year 2011 will be a watershed year, not because I have a prophetic word, but rather, as a keen observer of human follies, many are converging towards the peak of leveraged greed, pride and deceit, the necessary recipe for a tumultuous year. And the present extreme weather in Europe could be a harbinger of what is to come to befall the world next year, in not just the physical but in the economic, social and political landscape. The borrower is a slave to the lender. To disobey God is to obey the devil.
‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…’
Psalm 127:1
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
22nd Dec 2010
Power of Your love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbg8qS9iokY
'...Jesus stood and cried out saying 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'
John 7:37-38
Yesterday, as I was listening to a new CD, a collection of Christian songs in Mandarin sung by a Taiwanese all girls group, I was quite surprise to hear them sing the familiar Don Moen song "Power of Your love" in English. The song is not new to me, just like Scriptural knowledge is probably no stranger to many of you. Yet, God always surprises me with His prescience, and I have attached the above link to the song, in this case, sung someone else with with interesting pictorial representation of the plans of God for our life.
Take time to reflect upon the words. It aptly describe my life this year and I believe yours as well, how truly the love of God not just sustains us, but lift us up closer to the spirit men and women He wants to transform us to.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
In Spirit and Truth #26 Last Stop (18th Dec 10)
Dear ...
Just one more day, then we are off to the romantic city of lights, Paris,
leaving cold dowdy Churchill England, for cool sophisticated Gaullist France.
Things might have changed since such post war impressions were formed when the
dogged bull dog like resoluteness of the Brits ensured that they survived
Hitler's massive air assault during World War 2.
Very unlike the French who built the Maginot Line, a defensive wall, their
version of the Great Wall of China, which unfortunately was useless and crumbled
in the German armored assault, that led to viva France being a puppet country of
Germany.
One narrow English Channel, two once great imperial powers that colonized a
large part of the world, whose legacies still play a part in present day
history, yet such great differences.
The French might still dominate the haute couture of our present world, but it
is the English language that is very much the lingua franca of our world.
But if spreading the good news of the gospel is the most profound legacy of the
British, why didn't the same happen for the frogs, the derogatory name the Brits
call their neighbors?
With the storming of the Bastille, which today marks the French Independence
day, once royally ruled France became a Republic, a progressive state ruled by
the elect from the masses. Thrown out with the king was the clergy, which
unfortunately was corrupt and France became Catholic in name, but fiercely
secular in nature
'and he shall turn the hearts of the father to the children, and the hearts of
the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the Earth with a curse.'
Malachi 4:6
The Brits today have largely come home, having devolved themselves of their
colonies. The French concept of home is self-centeredness. Are these impressions
biased. A few days in Paris will not be a good indication, and even if it is, it
will be better not to judge but to pray for this once strong Christian nation.
So on a prayer and faith, today ie Thursday Dec 9th, leaving just as the violent
start of the student strikes and future anarchy in England began, we are off to
Paris (on the Euro tunnel). And France has decided to keep up with the English
by having their worst snowstorm since 1987 with many flight delays. But God is
good, the bad weather just preceded us by a day.
'This Book of Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it
day and night... Then you will have good success.'
Joshua 1:1-9
Truth is a command to all who seek to obey our Lord. To be otherwise is to be
like the devil, the master of deceit.
'..when therefore I was thus minded did I show fickleness?
...that with me should be the yea and yea, and the nay and nay?
2 Corinthians 1:17
The day we left London was also the day of the violent student riots. There is
justifiable anger on the part of the students on the broken promises of the
Liberal Democrats. Yet just like the vigilantes in the Wikileaks revenge attacks
on Visa and Mastercard, is there justification for such behavior?
'Woe to the multitude of many people. Who make a noise like the roar of the seas
. And to the rushing of nations...'
Isaiah 17:12
But of greater consequence is the world now undergoing the beginnings of a
revolution where the youths are so disgusted with the hypocrisy of the adults
that with the empowerment of the Internet, their raw energy are being channeled
into destructive chaos. Will this be a prelude to such raw youthful
anti-establishment anger being harnessed by the anti-Christ who works on the
facade of distorted truth and human rights(or more like selfishness)?
'Little children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that the Antichrist
is coming, even as many Antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the
last hour.'
1 John 2:18
Our children must see Christ likeness in us. Sadly, reality is they see more of
the devil in many fathers. And paradoxically, what they resent, will also be
exhibited in them, as we are now witnessing not just in the Western world, but
the world at large.
God will not allow this sinful cycle to endure in perpetuity. Malachi 4:6 is a
reminder of His coming wrath, yet His grace.
'... For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord. ...That your children shall
come back
to their own border.'
Jeremiah 31:16-17
God blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 12th Peaceful Paris for now
An afterthought
Home is where our heart is. Home for most of us is where our physical abode is.
It is where our relationships are based, be it family, friends and colleagues.
But in our globalized world, for many an intrepid traveler, home is no longer
permanent, just as relationships, for friendships tend to be more superficial
and marriages tenuuos.
What about Christians? The present world is but a temporal abode. Yet we spent
so much of our all in futility trying to make it secure permanently.
And what about our bodily shell. It is a temporal shell upon which the Spirit of
God resides, working to make ready our very being, when it departs to be with
Christ in permanency.
'Whereas ye know not what shall be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a
vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.'
James 4:14
We are now home, back in Singapore. The streets are pretty quiet, as many are
away. But come nearer Christmas, most will be back to spend time with the family
and friends. But there are some who will never come home, if the obituary pages
are any indication. Where have they gone to? Might not matter to many who do not
know the deceased, for the living will be busy with the festive celebrations and
making plans for the next year.
But what if there is no next year for you? What if this is your last stop and
the buck literally stops here?
Will your desire be the same as that of the Psalmist in Psalm 42?
'As the hart pantheth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, my
God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the Living God, when shall I come and appear
before God.'
Psalm 42:1-2
And that state of desire to be with God will be dependent upon how obedient have
we lived out our life in respond to His call, for His Spirit is at this very
moment calling out to you. Till the last breath leave us, your heart can still
respond to the saving grace from the gift of salvation for which our Lord Jesus
Christ was brought to Earth on Christmas day. Do take time now to ponder upon
what Christmas truly means, before a fullstop is sprung upon your finite life
unexpectedly.
'I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and
complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the
gospel of God's grace.'
Acts 20:24
Just one more day, then we are off to the romantic city of lights, Paris,
leaving cold dowdy Churchill England, for cool sophisticated Gaullist France.
Things might have changed since such post war impressions were formed when the
dogged bull dog like resoluteness of the Brits ensured that they survived
Hitler's massive air assault during World War 2.
Very unlike the French who built the Maginot Line, a defensive wall, their
version of the Great Wall of China, which unfortunately was useless and crumbled
in the German armored assault, that led to viva France being a puppet country of
Germany.
One narrow English Channel, two once great imperial powers that colonized a
large part of the world, whose legacies still play a part in present day
history, yet such great differences.
The French might still dominate the haute couture of our present world, but it
is the English language that is very much the lingua franca of our world.
But if spreading the good news of the gospel is the most profound legacy of the
British, why didn't the same happen for the frogs, the derogatory name the Brits
call their neighbors?
With the storming of the Bastille, which today marks the French Independence
day, once royally ruled France became a Republic, a progressive state ruled by
the elect from the masses. Thrown out with the king was the clergy, which
unfortunately was corrupt and France became Catholic in name, but fiercely
secular in nature
'and he shall turn the hearts of the father to the children, and the hearts of
the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the Earth with a curse.'
Malachi 4:6
The Brits today have largely come home, having devolved themselves of their
colonies. The French concept of home is self-centeredness. Are these impressions
biased. A few days in Paris will not be a good indication, and even if it is, it
will be better not to judge but to pray for this once strong Christian nation.
So on a prayer and faith, today ie Thursday Dec 9th, leaving just as the violent
start of the student strikes and future anarchy in England began, we are off to
Paris (on the Euro tunnel). And France has decided to keep up with the English
by having their worst snowstorm since 1987 with many flight delays. But God is
good, the bad weather just preceded us by a day.
'This Book of Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it
day and night... Then you will have good success.'
Joshua 1:1-9
Truth is a command to all who seek to obey our Lord. To be otherwise is to be
like the devil, the master of deceit.
'..when therefore I was thus minded did I show fickleness?
...that with me should be the yea and yea, and the nay and nay?
2 Corinthians 1:17
The day we left London was also the day of the violent student riots. There is
justifiable anger on the part of the students on the broken promises of the
Liberal Democrats. Yet just like the vigilantes in the Wikileaks revenge attacks
on Visa and Mastercard, is there justification for such behavior?
'Woe to the multitude of many people. Who make a noise like the roar of the seas
. And to the rushing of nations...'
Isaiah 17:12
But of greater consequence is the world now undergoing the beginnings of a
revolution where the youths are so disgusted with the hypocrisy of the adults
that with the empowerment of the Internet, their raw energy are being channeled
into destructive chaos. Will this be a prelude to such raw youthful
anti-establishment anger being harnessed by the anti-Christ who works on the
facade of distorted truth and human rights(or more like selfishness)?
'Little children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that the Antichrist
is coming, even as many Antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the
last hour.'
1 John 2:18
Our children must see Christ likeness in us. Sadly, reality is they see more of
the devil in many fathers. And paradoxically, what they resent, will also be
exhibited in them, as we are now witnessing not just in the Western world, but
the world at large.
God will not allow this sinful cycle to endure in perpetuity. Malachi 4:6 is a
reminder of His coming wrath, yet His grace.
'... For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord. ...That your children shall
come back
to their own border.'
Jeremiah 31:16-17
God blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 12th Peaceful Paris for now
An afterthought
Home is where our heart is. Home for most of us is where our physical abode is.
It is where our relationships are based, be it family, friends and colleagues.
But in our globalized world, for many an intrepid traveler, home is no longer
permanent, just as relationships, for friendships tend to be more superficial
and marriages tenuuos.
What about Christians? The present world is but a temporal abode. Yet we spent
so much of our all in futility trying to make it secure permanently.
And what about our bodily shell. It is a temporal shell upon which the Spirit of
God resides, working to make ready our very being, when it departs to be with
Christ in permanency.
'Whereas ye know not what shall be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a
vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.'
James 4:14
We are now home, back in Singapore. The streets are pretty quiet, as many are
away. But come nearer Christmas, most will be back to spend time with the family
and friends. But there are some who will never come home, if the obituary pages
are any indication. Where have they gone to? Might not matter to many who do not
know the deceased, for the living will be busy with the festive celebrations and
making plans for the next year.
But what if there is no next year for you? What if this is your last stop and
the buck literally stops here?
Will your desire be the same as that of the Psalmist in Psalm 42?
'As the hart pantheth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, my
God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the Living God, when shall I come and appear
before God.'
Psalm 42:1-2
And that state of desire to be with God will be dependent upon how obedient have
we lived out our life in respond to His call, for His Spirit is at this very
moment calling out to you. Till the last breath leave us, your heart can still
respond to the saving grace from the gift of salvation for which our Lord Jesus
Christ was brought to Earth on Christmas day. Do take time now to ponder upon
what Christmas truly means, before a fullstop is sprung upon your finite life
unexpectedly.
'I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and
complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the
gospel of God's grace.'
Acts 20:24
Monday, December 13, 2010
In Spirit and Truth #25 Gullible's Troubles (14th Dec 10)
Dear...
>>
>> 'An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
>>them.'
>> Luke 2:9
>>
>> My apologies to all and sunder for regaling you with too many travel tales, but
>>the Spirit of God's love burn intensely in my heart these past few days and
>>glorify Him I must.
>
> '....what is man that Thou art mindful of him. Or the son of man that Thou
>visiteth him?'
> Hebrews 2:6
>>
>> On fire, the quaint ex Roman garrison town of Chester, a lovely place we
>>visited just yesterday morning, had a big one last night. All rail services have
>>been suspended and it is definitely not the spiritual fire in me that ignited
>>the real destructive flames, I am thankful we visited yesterday and not today.
>>And on weather not whether, our visit yesterday was in lovely cold but snow free
>>weather. Just below Chester was Wales, and if you read the news, the South West
>>where Wales is located had the most terrible weather yesterday.
>>
>> The snow did resume its fall in Chester, but at about the time we were leaving.
>>How great is our God. And indeed it was a joy also to chance upon a Wesley
>>Methodist Church of all places in Chester, the same namesake church as my
>>church in Singapore.
'And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, behold, I and the children
whom God hath given me.'
Hebrews 2:13
Was it prescient or not that we were in the hallowed grounds of Manchester
United the day England lost the bid for the 2018 World Cup?
In the midst of the dogged British efforts, Putin, the Russian Prime Minister
seemed pretty nonchalant about not throwing his heavy political weight behind
the Russian bid. Yet, Russia won by a clear margin. Was there good reason for
his confidence? The day China officially opened the 2008 Olympics, Putin was
caught on camera in the stadium in Beijing in deep cold contemplation. The next
morning, Russia invaded Georgia.
Today, with the successful World Cup bid, atheist Mother Russia seems ready to
reclaim her place in the world stage, and what better platform than to take it
away from the once Great Britain, her imperial rival from the Tsarist days.
The world we are all traveling has just become a more troubled place, with one
more heavyweight nation ready to stamp its authority.
And was England which ranted and grieved at their unsuccessful bid gullible to
believe the verbal offers of support from the lobbied delegates in FIFA? Was
England paying the price for it's inquisitive media's scoop on the perceived
corruption in FIFA?
The truth hurts, and this cliche has now been brought to mainstream reality by
Wikileaks.
Does it mean that no one will dare speak their mind anymore and the world will
go into greater deception and double speak? Likely.
As Christians, we are asked to speak the truth. Does it mean the need to
moderate the living out of our beliefs in this new reality? The answer is no.
Christ speaks the truth. His disciples do the same with all boldness. The men of
God in the pre Christ days like the prophet Isaiah also speak as God leads.
The world we live in today has grown darker as sin permeates even more broadly
and deeply.
We must be the lamp of truth, for the light of God to shine forth.
'...to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all
men.'
Titus 3:2
But the truth must
- be spoken not based on our own understanding for that will be judgmental and
flawed
- be spoken with love and humility and that can only happen when we ourselves
learn to see and live out the will of God. Then can the world see the truth of
God's love in us and reflect against their own sinfulness.
'... That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good
works. These things are good and profitable to men.'
Titus 3:8
To speak the truth with love and grace does not mean that your thoughts will not
appear in Wiikileak. In fact it is likely you will be persecuted in a deceitful
world that desires to stay away from the light of the gospel truth.
'For from you the Word of the Lord has sounded forth... In every place. Your
faith toward God has gone out, so we do not need to say anything.'
1 Thessalonians 1:8
But God is Sovereign. Will you on the platform of truth He will place you in,
live out your faith like the giant of truth that Gulliver was in his travels
through the land of Lilliput? Or shriveled down to a wimp overawed by the
monsters of deceit dominating the present landscape of our world?
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 4th London -1 degree
>>
>> An afterthought
Secularism is the new and common religion of this sinful world. And political
correctness is the language of choice in the one world religion.
Every man is king of not just his own castle, but every common space. There is
freedom of expression and depravation as long as no being higher than man are
allowed in this space. Man is god and there is zero tolerance for love,
selfless love, for God is love, but total encouragement for anarchy, lusts,
selfishness and deviant behavior.
Tolerance is the key concept here but in reality anyone who dares even look
beyond secularism will be smashed with a sledgehammer. And ditto for speaking
the truth.
Secularism today is the upgraded and re-tweaked warped version of the anti
Christ Communist.
Some might recall the extreme ranting of the gay gossip columnist Perez Hilton
on television. He literally beat up the Ms America contestant when she expressed
her support for the traditional family, when asked a question by him on
alternative lifestyles as one of the judges.
Is this not bigotry and intolerance contrary to the professed respect for
individuals that many atheists are propagating?
Welcome to the world of delusion
>>
>> 'An angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around
>>them.'
>> Luke 2:9
>>
>> My apologies to all and sunder for regaling you with too many travel tales, but
>>the Spirit of God's love burn intensely in my heart these past few days and
>>glorify Him I must.
>
> '....what is man that Thou art mindful of him. Or the son of man that Thou
>visiteth him?'
> Hebrews 2:6
>>
>> On fire, the quaint ex Roman garrison town of Chester, a lovely place we
>>visited just yesterday morning, had a big one last night. All rail services have
>>been suspended and it is definitely not the spiritual fire in me that ignited
>>the real destructive flames, I am thankful we visited yesterday and not today.
>>And on weather not whether, our visit yesterday was in lovely cold but snow free
>>weather. Just below Chester was Wales, and if you read the news, the South West
>>where Wales is located had the most terrible weather yesterday.
>>
>> The snow did resume its fall in Chester, but at about the time we were leaving.
>>How great is our God. And indeed it was a joy also to chance upon a Wesley
>>Methodist Church of all places in Chester, the same namesake church as my
>>church in Singapore.
'And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, behold, I and the children
whom God hath given me.'
Hebrews 2:13
Was it prescient or not that we were in the hallowed grounds of Manchester
United the day England lost the bid for the 2018 World Cup?
In the midst of the dogged British efforts, Putin, the Russian Prime Minister
seemed pretty nonchalant about not throwing his heavy political weight behind
the Russian bid. Yet, Russia won by a clear margin. Was there good reason for
his confidence? The day China officially opened the 2008 Olympics, Putin was
caught on camera in the stadium in Beijing in deep cold contemplation. The next
morning, Russia invaded Georgia.
Today, with the successful World Cup bid, atheist Mother Russia seems ready to
reclaim her place in the world stage, and what better platform than to take it
away from the once Great Britain, her imperial rival from the Tsarist days.
The world we are all traveling has just become a more troubled place, with one
more heavyweight nation ready to stamp its authority.
And was England which ranted and grieved at their unsuccessful bid gullible to
believe the verbal offers of support from the lobbied delegates in FIFA? Was
England paying the price for it's inquisitive media's scoop on the perceived
corruption in FIFA?
The truth hurts, and this cliche has now been brought to mainstream reality by
Wikileaks.
Does it mean that no one will dare speak their mind anymore and the world will
go into greater deception and double speak? Likely.
As Christians, we are asked to speak the truth. Does it mean the need to
moderate the living out of our beliefs in this new reality? The answer is no.
Christ speaks the truth. His disciples do the same with all boldness. The men of
God in the pre Christ days like the prophet Isaiah also speak as God leads.
The world we live in today has grown darker as sin permeates even more broadly
and deeply.
We must be the lamp of truth, for the light of God to shine forth.
'...to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing humility to all
men.'
Titus 3:2
But the truth must
- be spoken not based on our own understanding for that will be judgmental and
flawed
- be spoken with love and humility and that can only happen when we ourselves
learn to see and live out the will of God. Then can the world see the truth of
God's love in us and reflect against their own sinfulness.
'... That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good
works. These things are good and profitable to men.'
Titus 3:8
To speak the truth with love and grace does not mean that your thoughts will not
appear in Wiikileak. In fact it is likely you will be persecuted in a deceitful
world that desires to stay away from the light of the gospel truth.
'For from you the Word of the Lord has sounded forth... In every place. Your
faith toward God has gone out, so we do not need to say anything.'
1 Thessalonians 1:8
But God is Sovereign. Will you on the platform of truth He will place you in,
live out your faith like the giant of truth that Gulliver was in his travels
through the land of Lilliput? Or shriveled down to a wimp overawed by the
monsters of deceit dominating the present landscape of our world?
God Blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 4th London -1 degree
>>
>> An afterthought
Secularism is the new and common religion of this sinful world. And political
correctness is the language of choice in the one world religion.
Every man is king of not just his own castle, but every common space. There is
freedom of expression and depravation as long as no being higher than man are
allowed in this space. Man is god and there is zero tolerance for love,
selfless love, for God is love, but total encouragement for anarchy, lusts,
selfishness and deviant behavior.
Tolerance is the key concept here but in reality anyone who dares even look
beyond secularism will be smashed with a sledgehammer. And ditto for speaking
the truth.
Secularism today is the upgraded and re-tweaked warped version of the anti
Christ Communist.
Some might recall the extreme ranting of the gay gossip columnist Perez Hilton
on television. He literally beat up the Ms America contestant when she expressed
her support for the traditional family, when asked a question by him on
alternative lifestyles as one of the judges.
Is this not bigotry and intolerance contrary to the professed respect for
individuals that many atheists are propagating?
Welcome to the world of delusion
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
In Spirit and Truth 24 In the midst of the devils (2nd Dec 10)
Dear ..
If white is angelic, then snow covered Edinburgh is Heaven?
For the Presbyterian Church has it's origins in Scotland.
Leaving the bitter cold of Scotland, I will soon be in a slightly less frosty Manchester, the 2nd largest city in England. But I doubt it will get any less cold, though my son is looking forward to his visit to the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford, home of the Red Devils. If soccer is the religion of the world,then England is the cradle of this great obsession.
On the subject of passion, one observation in many mainstream guides on the
cities I visit is that an active gay and lesbian nightlife is now very much
part of the promoted colors that make the city an attraction. Churches are
passé, unique lustful relationships are now natural
'For I have no man like minded, who will truly care for your state, for they
all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.'
Philippians 2:20-21
It's past 4am again UK time, 12pm Singapore time. Guess my biological clock is
only half set to the new realities of my present physical location. But is it not the same for all cultures that find themselves ensconced in a
land away from home? Many first generation immigrants to foreign lands cling on
to the vestiges of their culture and food for more emotional comfort than
reasons of nostalgia.
Being a china man gastronomic wise, after 3 days in the land of fish and chips, we finally had a welcome Chinese meal at a restaurant in Chinatown in
Manchester. It was also great to see and speak in Chinese to the waitress, much
as it took some time to figure out the apt dialect within the broad spectrum of
the varied tongues of the Chinese race.
'Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that
times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
But life is more than satisfying the stomach. Would it not be great in a
strange land to meet more friendly and helpful fellow human beings who can guide
us babes in a strange ward? Moving on our own within UK via rail, we have been
blessed to meet nice locals who have helped make the trip pleasant and less daunting. Are they Christians? I am not sure. Does it matter? No if it is just
about directions to a place on Earth, but an imperative yes if it is about
pointing us to Christ, our redeemer. Would it not be a blessing if in every
place big or small that there resides faithful Christians whose life would
magnify forth the light of God's love, a welcome respite for the traveler that
all humanity is, till Christ calls us home?
'Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you to
me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.'
Philippians 3:1
Rudyard Kipling is one of my favorite writers, much as my dalliance with his
work has been limited to a couple of short stories and one movie cartoon " the
jungle book." Yet this man of bygone days of the British Raj when Great Britain
was truly great in his writings must have captured and inspired many of his
peers to venture forth into the exotic lands of the Indian subcontinent. And for
the present man like myself, his writings evoke a nostalgia for a romantic
bygone era. Would my sharing be in the same league? If it is from me, it is but a wistful hope. But if it is truly from the Lord, then it will not just assure a searching heart, but invoke that responsive desire on your part to take that step unto His presence.
God indeed blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 1st 5am minus 1 degree Manchester
One afterthought
I have progressed from writing from the washroom to sharing the inspiration of
our Lord from the bedroom. The wonders of an iPhone with free wifi where one can
happily tap away while lying on the bed. Only risk is a static finger and a sore
neck from this less than ideal posture.
And indeed God is good. The cold snap has moved ahead of me, from North in
Scotland going down South and South West. By the time I headed down from
Scotland to Manchester in the North East, I still feel the biting coldness but
have avoided much of it's collateral damage. And severe it is with massive disruptions in transport and daily living with many stuck overnight in the extreme cold on the roads, train stations and airports(see link http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20101202/tuk-no-hope-of-respite-for-frozen-britai-dba1618.html)
'we are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed.'
2 Corinthians 4:8
And this has summed up my journey through this 'annus horribilis' weather in
UK to date, yet God protects and provides. Queen Elizabeth made famous this term
'annus horribilis' when she summed up the terrible year of scandals besetting
the royal family back in the early 1990s.
And one final final after thought, for insomnia makes the mind fertile and
frivolous? Man plans God indeed directs. Many Irish fled both their English
rulers and the potato famine to new lands. I like many have benefited from the
Irish catholic priests who ended up as educators and religious teachers in the
developing countries. The Americans had the benefit of the Irish origin Kennedy
'royal' dynasty. A comeuppence for the English who were not just kicked out of
America by their ex citizens, but had the conquered, an Irish descendant running
a bigger country to theirs. So much for the much vaunted special
relationship.
The Scots were not far off either. Many ended up in Dark Africa as missionaries
and explorers like Dr David Livingstone. And the English might think they own
HSBC, but it is the Scots who are the engine room.
And like the Romans whose land routes in her empire facilitated the spread of
Christianity. The sly English, at least that seems to be what the conquered in
the British Isles think of them, by their sea routes in their empire opened up
even more opportunities for the spread of the gospel.
And what about Wales? For now, they had the late famous actor Richard Burton
and the present actress Catherine Zeta Jones, wife of Wall St actor, Michael
Douglas.
But in truth they had Sir Henry Morton, a Welsh who managed to find the long
lost medical doctor and Christian missionary, Dr David Livingstone in dark
Africa. How apt, a Welsh meeting a Scot in Africa during the reign of Victorian
England which was at the zenith of her power
Always at God's timing
2 Dec minus 2 degrees Manchester
If white is angelic, then snow covered Edinburgh is Heaven?
For the Presbyterian Church has it's origins in Scotland.
Leaving the bitter cold of Scotland, I will soon be in a slightly less frosty Manchester, the 2nd largest city in England. But I doubt it will get any less cold, though my son is looking forward to his visit to the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford, home of the Red Devils. If soccer is the religion of the world,then England is the cradle of this great obsession.
On the subject of passion, one observation in many mainstream guides on the
cities I visit is that an active gay and lesbian nightlife is now very much
part of the promoted colors that make the city an attraction. Churches are
passé, unique lustful relationships are now natural
'For I have no man like minded, who will truly care for your state, for they
all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.'
Philippians 2:20-21
It's past 4am again UK time, 12pm Singapore time. Guess my biological clock is
only half set to the new realities of my present physical location. But is it not the same for all cultures that find themselves ensconced in a
land away from home? Many first generation immigrants to foreign lands cling on
to the vestiges of their culture and food for more emotional comfort than
reasons of nostalgia.
Being a china man gastronomic wise, after 3 days in the land of fish and chips, we finally had a welcome Chinese meal at a restaurant in Chinatown in
Manchester. It was also great to see and speak in Chinese to the waitress, much
as it took some time to figure out the apt dialect within the broad spectrum of
the varied tongues of the Chinese race.
'Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that
times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
But life is more than satisfying the stomach. Would it not be great in a
strange land to meet more friendly and helpful fellow human beings who can guide
us babes in a strange ward? Moving on our own within UK via rail, we have been
blessed to meet nice locals who have helped make the trip pleasant and less daunting. Are they Christians? I am not sure. Does it matter? No if it is just
about directions to a place on Earth, but an imperative yes if it is about
pointing us to Christ, our redeemer. Would it not be a blessing if in every
place big or small that there resides faithful Christians whose life would
magnify forth the light of God's love, a welcome respite for the traveler that
all humanity is, till Christ calls us home?
'Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you to
me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.'
Philippians 3:1
Rudyard Kipling is one of my favorite writers, much as my dalliance with his
work has been limited to a couple of short stories and one movie cartoon " the
jungle book." Yet this man of bygone days of the British Raj when Great Britain
was truly great in his writings must have captured and inspired many of his
peers to venture forth into the exotic lands of the Indian subcontinent. And for
the present man like myself, his writings evoke a nostalgia for a romantic
bygone era. Would my sharing be in the same league? If it is from me, it is but a wistful hope. But if it is truly from the Lord, then it will not just assure a searching heart, but invoke that responsive desire on your part to take that step unto His presence.
God indeed blesses
Eng Hieang
Dec 1st 5am minus 1 degree Manchester
One afterthought
I have progressed from writing from the washroom to sharing the inspiration of
our Lord from the bedroom. The wonders of an iPhone with free wifi where one can
happily tap away while lying on the bed. Only risk is a static finger and a sore
neck from this less than ideal posture.
And indeed God is good. The cold snap has moved ahead of me, from North in
Scotland going down South and South West. By the time I headed down from
Scotland to Manchester in the North East, I still feel the biting coldness but
have avoided much of it's collateral damage. And severe it is with massive disruptions in transport and daily living with many stuck overnight in the extreme cold on the roads, train stations and airports(see link http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20101202/tuk-no-hope-of-respite-for-frozen-britai-dba1618.html)
'we are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed.'
2 Corinthians 4:8
And this has summed up my journey through this 'annus horribilis' weather in
UK to date, yet God protects and provides. Queen Elizabeth made famous this term
'annus horribilis' when she summed up the terrible year of scandals besetting
the royal family back in the early 1990s.
And one final final after thought, for insomnia makes the mind fertile and
frivolous? Man plans God indeed directs. Many Irish fled both their English
rulers and the potato famine to new lands. I like many have benefited from the
Irish catholic priests who ended up as educators and religious teachers in the
developing countries. The Americans had the benefit of the Irish origin Kennedy
'royal' dynasty. A comeuppence for the English who were not just kicked out of
America by their ex citizens, but had the conquered, an Irish descendant running
a bigger country to theirs. So much for the much vaunted special
relationship.
The Scots were not far off either. Many ended up in Dark Africa as missionaries
and explorers like Dr David Livingstone. And the English might think they own
HSBC, but it is the Scots who are the engine room.
And like the Romans whose land routes in her empire facilitated the spread of
Christianity. The sly English, at least that seems to be what the conquered in
the British Isles think of them, by their sea routes in their empire opened up
even more opportunities for the spread of the gospel.
And what about Wales? For now, they had the late famous actor Richard Burton
and the present actress Catherine Zeta Jones, wife of Wall St actor, Michael
Douglas.
But in truth they had Sir Henry Morton, a Welsh who managed to find the long
lost medical doctor and Christian missionary, Dr David Livingstone in dark
Africa. How apt, a Welsh meeting a Scot in Africa during the reign of Victorian
England which was at the zenith of her power
Always at God's timing
2 Dec minus 2 degrees Manchester
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